Shock in North Wexford at death of shopkeeper John
THERE was widespread shock across north Wexford this week following the tragic death of popular Ballymoney shopkeeper John Cullen (46).
The remains of the larger-thanlife character were found in Djouce Woods in the Wicklow Mountains on Monday afternoon, along with his burnt-out car.
It's understood that the Riverchapel resident had last been seen in Gorey on Monday morning around 9.30 a.m.
John came to Ballymoney from Shankill, Co Dublin, 10 years ago, with his wife Kay and daughters Tracey and Eileen, to take over the local mini-market and post office.
However, that was not the only reason that 1999 was a memorable year for John, as his take-over of the Ballymoney business coincided with Manchester United's victory in the Champions League Final, securing their famous 'treble' of that year.
John was a fanatical Manchester United fan and attended that final at the Nou Camp in Barcelona, when two late goals from his beloved Red Devils snatched victory from the jaws of defeat against Bayern Munich.
He loved to get to games, but always enjoyed watching them on television, no matter where he was.
He was also a keen gardener, as evidenced by the pristine condition of his own in Riverchapel.
Friends of John have described the Ballymoney shopkeeper as 'larger than life' and though he arrived in the area just ten years ago, he quickly became one of its best-known and well-liked characters.
'He was a great character, always in good form and he always had time to talk to people,' one close friend said this week, adding that everyone in the area was deeply shocked and saddened by what had happened.
'It's dreadful, it's absolutely dreadful, we just can't believe it,' he said, pointing out that the community had rallied around John's family: his wife Kay and their beloved daughters Tracey and Eileen, both students at Gorey Community School.
John was a charitable man, who always looked to help out with local fundraisers. He would never have to be asked to do so, his services were always volunteered, and he would regularly arrive along with something from his shop for use a prize.
When it came to wine, John was renowned as a local expert, having previously worked as wine manager with Quinnsworth before he went into business for himself.
Many people in Ballymoney and the surrounding areas sought his advice when buying a bottle of wine and he was always more than happy to give them the benefit of his vast knowledge – just one of the wide range of services that made his mini-market so popular with its many customers.
Though he was an astute businessman, John's rapport with his customers also saw him extend plenty of lee-way to those who were experiencing difficulties, and he never applied pressure to anyone who had trouble paying for goods.
In 2008, John travelled to South Africa on a home building mission with the Niall Mellon Township Trust, a trip he greatly enjoyed, exemplifying his kind and generous spirit.
No funeral arrangements were available at the time of going to press.
